Rivers
Philanthropist Commits To Youth Dev
A week long athletic activities sponsored by Dr. Bernard and Friends Foundation (DEBAFF) which started with a colloquium has ended Saturday at Ahoada, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State with a clarion call on youths to embrace sports as a means of livelihood.
The tournament tagged: 2021 Ekpeye Youth Grassroots Mixed Martial Arts Championship and Empowerment Programme featured judo, mix martial arts, Ekpeye traditional wrestling, Ijaw traditional wrestling, Ekpeye cultural procession (the conquest of the Ikpachors), and visits to Ahoada Correctional Centre.
Addressing the crowd, High Chief Ebere Bernard, founder of the DEBAFF, a non governmental organisation (NGO) remarked that as a philanthropist, he was poised to change the youths from street urchins to athletes to better their lots.
The Ekpeye born mix martial artist noted that mix martial arts was used as a tool to teach real life winning skills like dedication, discipline, respect, humility and hard work.
DEBAFF director said among other things that he decided to spice up the athletic competition with the Ekpeye cultural procession to reminiscence the warrior nature of his ancestor Akalaka whose descendants were (Ekpeye – Ubie ) axis of Ekpeye kingdom in olden days.
While he donated cash materials, and pro bono lawyer for the inmates, he warned the prisoners not to only turn a new a leaf, but to engage in sports which could transform them and their economic upliftment.
Also speaking, Chief Coach, Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt, Mr. Godpower Geoffrey said, “Judo which means gentle way in Japanese, is a martial arts created in Japan by Jigoro Kano in 1882”. He therefore urged the participants and the youths to embrace it as well as to play by the rules.
Meanwhile, speakers during the colloquium held Monday at the Conference Hall Of Ahoada East Local Government Council with the theme: “Repositioning and Empowering of Ekpeye Youth for Global Impact included Dr. Bernard who lectured on “Ekpeye the land between two Rivers: A pathetic story of poverty in abundance of resources”, while Chukwumerijie Mwanekezie-phil and Chinotu F. George spoke on “Information: A Global Leverage for Achievement in Academic”, and Rule 7 of Jordan Peterson’s 12 rules for life: pursue what is meaningful and not what is expedient.
However, Chairman Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, Eze Ikaki S. Ikaki, poured encomium on the host; noting that Dr. Bernard has done so great for the people of Ekpeye land.
Promising that traditional rulers in Ekpeye land would make it possible for companies operating in the land to partner with DEBAFF to bring in sustainable peace, growth and development.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Lamai Oduevho of Osakhu clan of Avhiawun kingdom of Edo State commended the donor for his magnanimity.
By: Emenike Agimo
Rivers
Eld Ogbu Bags Adventists Men Award…Pledge For Humanitarian Service
A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.
Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.

Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.
Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.
Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.
In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more
He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.
Rivers
Rivers Landlords Petitions IG Over Alleged Move to Demolish Their Estate
Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.
The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.
Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.
Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.
Rivers
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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